What is the Difference Between HDL and Software Language

The main difference between HDL and Software Language is that HDL describes the behavior of digital systems while Software Language provides a set of instructions for the CPU to perform a specific task.

A digital circuit is a circuit that operates within two discrete levels (true, false). HDL language helps to describe the functionalities of digital systems. On the other hand, a software language helps to write programs for various applications such as web, mobile, enterprise applications, etc.

Key Areas Covered

1. What is HDL
     – Definition, Features
2. What is Software Language
     – Definition, Features
3. What is the Difference Between HDL and Software Language
     – Comparison of Key Differences

Key Terms

C++, HDL, Java, PHP, Python, Software Language, VHDL, Verilog

What is HDL

HDL stands for Hardware Description Language. HDL is used to describe the behavior of digital circuits. HDL languages consist of programming structures such as expressions, statements, control structures, etc. These languages form an integral part of electronic design automation systems such as complex circuits, microprocessors, and, programmable logic devices.

The most common HDL languages are Verilog and VHDL.

Verilog – This language is similar to C. The latest version of Verilog is IEEE 1364 – 2005. It is a case sensitive language that allows real-time simulations. The basic building block of the language is called a module.

VHDL – Base languages for this language are Ada and Pascal. It is not case sensitive. A hardware module in VHDL is called an entity. Usually, VHDL is complex than Verilog.

What is Software Language

Software language helps to develop daily software applications. There are two types of software languages as high level and low-level languages. High-level languages follow a syntax similar to English. It is easier for the programmers to read, understand and write them. Java, C, C++, Python, PHP, Perl, and Ruby are some examples for high-level languages. We can convert these programs into machine language using a compiler or an interpreter. Finally, the CPU can directly execute the machine codes to perform the defined task.

The applications we can build using these languages are as follows.

C, C++ – Operating systems, drivers, databases, language utilities, etc.

Python – Machine learning applications, developing algorithms, web development, etc.

Java – Standalone applications, web applications, mobile applications, etc.

PHP, Ruby – Web applications

Objective C – Mobile applications

The low-level languages are one step below the high-level languages, but one step above machine language. These languages are closer to hardware level than high-level languages. Assembly is a low-level programing language. We can use Assembly to write applications such as operating systems.

Difference Between HDL and Software Language

Definition

HDL is a specialized computer language used to describe the structure and behavior of electronic circuits, most commonly, digital logic circuits. Software Language, on the other hand, is a computer language used to write a set of instructions to allow the CPU to perform a specific task. This is the main difference between HDL and Software Language.

Complexity

Complexity is another difference between HDL and Software Language. HDL is more complex than a software language.

Examples

Verilog and VHDL are common HDL while Java, C, C++, Python, PHP etc. are common software language.

Applications

The main use of HDL is to describe the behavior of digital circuits. Software language helps to develop various applications. A programmer can select a language depending on the application. This is another difference between HDL and Software Language.

Conclusion

HDL and Software language are programming languages, but they have different uses. The main difference between HDL and Software Language is that HDL is used to describe the behavior of digital systems while Software Language is used to provide a set of instructions for the CPU to perform a specific task.

Reference:

1. “Hardware Description Language.” Wikipedia, Wikimedia Foundation, 8 Jan. 2019, Available here.

Image Courtesy:

1. “3493752” (CC0) via Max Pixel
2. “Top Programming Languages” By Daniel Iversen (CC BY 2.0) via Flickr